Pizza is one of the most iconic and consumed dishes in the world.Its combination of a crunchy, fluffy base with a variety of flavorful ingredients has conquered palates on every continent. However, what many people don't know is that there are multiple types of pizza, each with its own history and uniqueness.
From the classic Neapolitan pizza, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, to the hearty Italian-style pizza Chicago, the variety is endless. In this article we will detail the main types of pizza, their geographical origin and the particularities that make them unique.
The origin of pizza: a thousand-year-old story
Pizza has its roots in ancient civilizations such as the Roman, Greek and Egyptian, where it was consumed flatbreads with various condiments. However, Pizza as we know it today It had its peak in Naples, Italy, around the 18th century.
El tomato, an essential ingredient in modern pizza, arrived in Europe from America in the 16th century, but it was not until the 18th century that the Neapolitans began to use it on flatbreads. From there arose varieties such as Margarita pizza, created in honor of Queen Margaret of Savoy.
Types of pizza according to their geographical origin
Neapolitan pizza
The mother of all pizzas, the Neapolitan is the most traditional version of this dish. It is characterized by its dough fermented for several hours, thick edges and thin center. It is cooked in a wood oven at temperatures around 450 ° C. It is the most traditional and one of the most authentic. Its history dates back to the 18th century in Naples, where bakers began adding tomato to their flatbreads. It stands out for having a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside.
Two main variants are recognized:
- Pizza Marinara: Tomato, garlic, oregano and olive oil.
- Margarita Pizza: Tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil and olive oil.
Roman Pizza
Similar to Neapolitan, but with one key difference: Its dough is thinner and crispier. It also contains olive oil in the dough, which gives it a firmer texture. It is cooked at lower temperatures and for longer, resulting in a firmer and less spongy base.
Origin: Sicily, Italy
Sicilian pizza, also called sfincioneit's thick and fluffy, Similar to focaccia, it differs from other pizzas due to its thick, rectangular base and traditional ingredients, such as pecorino cheese instead of mozzarella. It is usually topped with anchovies, onions and breadcrumbs.
Sliced ​​pizza
Popular in Rome, this pizza is sold in rectangular slices and by weightIts base is usually thicker and fluffier, making it ideal for supporting a larger amount of ingredients.
New York style pizza
One of the most recognizable styles in the United States. Its dough is thin, but sturdy enough to be folded when eating. It is characterized by the use of dry mozzarella and a spiced tomato sauce.
Chicago style pizza
Known as deep dish pizza, this variety has a thick base that is more like a pie than a conventional pizza. It is cooked in a deep mold and filled with layers of cheese, tomato sauce and other ingredients.
Detroit Style Pizza
This rectangular pizza originated in Detroit in the 1940s. Its main characteristic is that it is cooked in industrial steel trays, which gives it a crispy and caramelized base.
Argentinian Pizza
Argentina has a very particular style, characterized by its lots of cheese and a fluffier base. Some of its most popular varieties are:
- Fugazzeta: Pizza stuffed with mozzarella and topped with onion.
- Pizza court: Thin dough with tomato sauce and spices.
Types of pizza according to their ingredients
Four cheeses
A favorite choice for cheese lovers. Traditionally includes Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan and Fontina.
Caprichosa
Variant of the Neapolitan that is made with artichokes, mushrooms, ham and olives.
Devil
Similar to pepperoni pizza, but with a spicier touch thanks to the use of spiced sausages like salami.
Barbecue
One of the most popular outside Italy, barbecue pizza takes BBQ sauce, minced meat and onion.
Curiosities about pizza
The world of pizza is full of interesting facts. Did you know that Hawaiian pizza is not from Hawaii? It was invented in Canada by a Greek immigrant. In addition, in Italy there is a Neapolitan Pizza Association which regulates how this delicacy should be prepared.
Each country has known how to adapt this dish to their own culinary traditions, creating a universe of flavors and textures that continue to evolve. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a margarita, the strength of a deep-dish or the explosion of flavor of a capricious, There is a pizza for every taste. This dish continues to conquer the world and will undoubtedly continue to evolve in the future.
